Welcoming Our New Head of Fundraising, and an Exciting New Role in the Team

Bronagh Sumner

We’re delighted to welcome Melody Brooker to Villiers Park Educational Trust as our new Head of Fundraising

Melody joins us in November from Fitzwilliam College’s Alumni and Development team, bringing a wealth of experience from leading successful fundraising campaigns at Fitzwilliam College and other Cambridge charities. 


In her new role, Melody will lead our fundraising strategy—strengthening relationships with our incredible community of supporters and partners, and growing support for our vision: a future where all young people can realise their potential


Melody Brooker said: 

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a dedicated and inspiring team. There’s huge potential here to build on the fantastic work already happening and to make a real difference for young people.” 


Gaby Sumner, Chief Executive of Villiers Park, said: 


 “Melody brings outstanding experience and a deep understanding of fundraising, combined with real passion for what we do. This is a really exciting appointment as we begin our new five-year strategy, which aims to scale our impact and reach to support more young people across the country.” 


To support this growth, we are also recruiting for a new role: Fundraising Operations and Data Manager. This part-time role will manage our CRM and develop systems and insights to help drive our fundraising forward. 


If you have experience managing databases or operations within fundraising teams, we’d love to hear from you. Flexible working hours and a welcoming, friendly team await. 


Find out more about the role and how to apply


By Bronagh Sumner December 8, 2025
" I remember most the residentials, with the opportunity to experience stretching and enriching lectures, activities and tasks in a friendly and warmly academic environment. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 26, 2025
"It’s incredible to come full circle. Villiers Park supported me when I needed it most, and now I have the privilege of helping to make those same opportunities available to others.”
By Bronagh Sumner November 24, 2025
"Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge"
By Bronagh Sumner November 21, 2025
"T he Charity Commission reported in 2017 that 92% of trustees are white, two-thirds are male and the average age is between 55-64 years old, so I’m very pleased to be moving the needle on that. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of Future Leaders achieves. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 18, 2025
" Villiers Park had a monumental role in helping me discover and refine my own capabilities that in turn enabled me to succeed in my professional career. I can't think of any other thing that had such an impact on my life, for which I am forever grateful. "
By Bronagh Sumner November 4, 2025
" At secondary school, mentoring was really important to me. It helped to talk about my academic aspirations and worries with a professional, but someone unconnected to school. It was also comforting to hear that my worries weren’t unique! "
By Bronagh Sumner November 4, 2025
"At the moment I'm working as a trainee GP [...] and simply without Villiers Park I don't think I probably would have got there."
By Bronagh Sumner October 9, 2025
As we embark on the next exciting year at Villiers Park, we are proud to reflect on an incredible 24-25 academic year.
By Bronagh Sumner September 16, 2025
At Villiers Park, we believe every young person deserves the chance to imagine and realise their possible selves. Thanks to Sopra Steria, our Principal Partner, more students from under-represented backgrounds are able to seize exciting opportunities, access key financial support and develop skills to help shape their futures.
By Bronagh Sumner August 28, 2025
Shining a light on the brilliant work of our Future Leaders across the country!